A review by zipzapzoom88
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Although this book is lengthy, and the topics are extremely heavy, it’s an amazing book. There was so much effort put into the character development. I had to take several breaks from reading to give myself an emotional break. I will never forget this story and it’s characters. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Child abuse, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Self harm, Rape, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Chronic illness, and Dysphoria

Moderate: Forced institutionalization

Minor: Child death

This book is full of extremely heavy topics. The main character experiences many traumatic events, as a child, that result in lasting effects in adulthood. Suicidal thoughts/attempts/self harm and sexual abuse are the biggest warning I would give for this book.